Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean
St Johnston, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 66 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 33 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Presbyterian
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18700E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Castletown National School is a small, three‑teacher primary school situated in Castletown, St Johnston, County Donegal. It caters for junior and senior infants as well as the junior, middle and senior classes, operating from 8.30 am to 2.10 pm (with a 1.10 pm finish for the junior and senior infants). The school follows a structured daily routine with a short morning break and a 30‑minute lunch period. Pupils wear a navy sweatshirt bearing the school crest, a light‑blue polo, navy trousers or skirt, black hard‑wearing shoes and runners for physical education, allowing a uniform that is both practical and recognisable. The school places a strong emphasis on digital inclusion and environmental stewardship. In 2021 it received a grant under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan, enabling the purchase of iPads to support literacy and numeracy homework for learners at risk of disadvantage. Castletown NS is a Green School, having earned three Green Flags for litter and waste (2020), water (2022) and travel (2024). Additional support is provided through Oakley Childcare’s after‑school care and a school‑bus service coordinated with Bus Éireann. A comprehensive suite of policies, including safeguarding, equal opportunity, digital learning and attendance, underpins the school’s commitment to a safe, inclusive and forward‑looking learning environment.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
View Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean?
Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean has 66 pupils enrolled, 33 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean?
Scoil Náisiúnta Baile An Caislean has a Presbyterian ethos. It is a mixed primary school.